Hurricane Debby just missed Tampa Bay, but it brough us plenty of rain… and with that, plenty of moisture. And for many, the moisture also brings pests of a different kind to our home plumbing systems. For example, have you ever noticed small bugs flying from your kitchen drain? And have you wondered: what are these pesky pests, where do they come from, and how do I get rid of them? 

Chances are our moisture-laden Tampa Bay area has you dealing with drain flies, also known as sink flies or moth flies. And these are tiny pests that thrive in the moist, organic material found in drains, sewers, and septic tanks. So in this blog, the experts at Billy the Sunshine Plumber explain what tiny drain flies are, what you need to know about these bugs, and (most importantly) how to get rid of them.

Identifying Drain Flies

Drain flies are small, about 1/8 inch long, with fuzzy bodies and wings that resemble those of a moth. Additionally, they are typically black or dark brown and are often seen resting on walls near sinks, showers, and other damp areas.

Why Are They There?

Drain flies lay their eggs in the organic material that builds up inside drains. And then, the larvae feed on this sludge, and within a few days, they mature into adult flies. Also, the presence of these flies indicates that there is decaying organic matter inside your drain. And this provides a perfect breeding ground for them.

How to Get Rid of Drain Flies

1. Clean the Drains: Use a pipe brush or a long, flexible brush to scrub the inside of the pipes and remove any gunk and buildup. Also, you can use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to help break down the organic material.
2. Boiling Water: Pour boiling water down the drain to kill the larvae and wash away debris. And, repeat this process several times a day for a few days.
3. Drain Gel: Use a bio-enzyme drain gel designed to break down the organic material inside drains. Because, these gels are effective in eliminating the breeding grounds for drain flies without using harsh chemicals.
4. Trap and Monitor: Place sticky traps around the affected areas to catch adult flies. Because this helps you monitor the infestation and reduce the number of breeding adults.
5. Prevent Future Infestations: To prevent future infestations, maintain clean drains by regularly flushing them with hot water and occasionally using a bio-enzyme drain cleaner. And make sure there are no leaks under the sink. Because stagnant water can also attract drain flies.

When to Call the Professionals at Billy the Sunshine Plumber

If your efforts to eliminate drain flies don’t seem to be working, it may be time to call the experts at Billy the Sunshine Plumber serving Pinellas/Pasco and Hernando/Citrus Counties. Because, persistent infestations can sometimes indicate a more significant problem with your plumbing system.

Billy the Sunshine Plumber has been the Tampa Bay 24-hour plumber of choice since 1924 when he first opened for business. And Billy the Sunshine Plumber is open 24/7/365 in Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. Because, days, nights, weekends, or holidays, Billy the Sunshine Plumber is always here for you.

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